Flat Rock’s founding dates back to the early 19th century when it began as a summer respite for prominent Charleston families seeking refuge from the oppressive heat and disease of the lowcountry summers.  Tradition holds that even our earliest residents, the Cherokee, were also suitably impressed with area and selected the distinguished rocky outcrop (which gives the village its name) as a central spot for for native gatherings.

Over time, it was these Charleston families who began to establish large summer estates, which were named to reflect their strong Scottish heritage .  This tradition continued well into the 20th century.  The first great estate, Mountain Lodge, was built in 1827 by Charles Baring, founder of the eponymously titled  Baring Brothers Banking firm of London, and consisted of a tract some 3000 acres.  Mr. Baring’s love of the area also encouraged him to build a private chapel on his estate, which was dedicated to St. John in the Wilderness, and is still in operation today and  stands as WNC’s oldest Episcopal Church.  The names that line the pews and historic churchyard read like a who’s who of prominent and historic Charleston families.

The second large estate, Argyle, was built by Judge Mitchell King, also of Charleston, SC. A landowner of considerable property, Judge King eventually donated the land on which the town of Hendersonville was built, and directed the master plan for the town’s Main Street.

Charlestonians know a good thing when they see it, and other families soon

followed.  With some fifty estates established amongst the close knit community, the summer season in Flat Rock became the defining experience for generations of South Carolina’s lowcountry gentry.  Flat Rock became known as the “The Little Charleston of the Mountains”, a tradition reflected in our very own “Little Rainbow Row” which serves as the commercial heart of the Village.

Flat Rock is now one of the largest National Register Historic Districts in the country, and our location, temperate climate and woderful neighbours have encouraged visitors from all over the world to make Flat Rock their home.  We invite you to start a new chapter in Flat Rock’s history, and encourage you to do the same.